2021 JTB Guide English FINA
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
WELCOME FEEL THE RHYTHM LAND OF WOOD AND WATER Jamaica is a destination so dynamic and multifaceted you could make hundreds of visits and in Ocho Rios, there’s a beach for everyone. But if lounging on the sand all day is not your have a unique experience every single time. style, a visit to Jamaica is still just what the doctor ordered. With hundreds of fitness Home of the legendary Bob Marley, arguably reggae’s most iconic and globally recognised facilities and countless running and exercise groups, the global thrust towards health and face, the island’s most popular musical export is an eclectic mix of infectious beats and wellness has spawned annual events such as the Reggae Marathon and the Kingston City enchanting — if sometimes scathing — lyrics. It can be heard throughout the island, and is Run. The get-fit movement has also influenced the creation of several health and wellness celebrated with annual festivals such as Reggae Sumfest and Rebel Salute, where you could bars, as well as spa, fitness and yoga retreats at upscale resorts. also indulge in Jamaica’s renowned culinary treats. Jamaica has dominated the destination wedding market for years. From boutique To visit Jamaica and not try jerked chicken, pork, fish, conch or sausage — or any kind of resorts to private estates and villas across the island, couples have many options. All- KNOWN FOR ITS meat or seafood — is almost sacrilegious. The technique involves smoking meat or seafood inclusive resorts offer an array of wedding packages, complete with dedicated wedding BEAUTY AND VIBRANT that has been seasoned with an abundance of traditional spices and herbs either in a metal planners and options to customise your experience. Plus, couples can settle right into the drum or barrel, or over flavoured wood. Though the method has evolved over time and varies honeymoon experience without ever having to leave the island. Did you know? CULTURE, THERE’S by chef, the flavour remains the same: undeniably Jamaican and unquestionably delicious. And the island is quickly building its reputation as an ideal destination for corporate The traditional cooking Traditional Jamaican patties are also a must-try, as are curried goat, mannish water, oxtail retreats, meetings and incentive groups, too. Though the Jamaica Conference Centre and technique known as jerk is said NO BETTER WAY TO and, of course, the national dish, ackee and saltfish. the Montego Bay Convention Centre remain the most popular venues for these gatherings, to have been invented by the DESCRIBE JAMAICA Lined with powdery white sand and the most inviting aquamarine waters, Jamaica’s many resorts have added or upgraded their conference spaces, positioning the island as Maroons, or runaway slaves. beaches are listed amongst the world’s best. From the world-famous Doctor’s Cave Beach a popular venue for large groups. With increasing transportation services and a highway OTHER THAN IRIE. in Montego Bay to the equally popular Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Frenchman’s Cove in linking Kingston in the south to the North Coast, you can have your meeting in this Portland, Treasure Beach on the South Coast or the unique Dunn’s River Falls and Beach gorgeous tropical paradise! 2 VISITJAMAICA.COM 3 Did you know? At the Bob Marley Museum, guests can see the singer’s untouched bedroom. There are even bullet holes from a failed assassination attempt in 1976. KINGSTON THE CAPITAL’S MOUNTAINOUS LANDSCAPE IS A DRAMATIC BACKDROP FOR A THOROUGHLY MODERN CITY. CROWN JEWEL Nestled between the famed Blue Mountains and one of the world’s largest natural harbours restaurants serve up fresh fish and much more. For big waves, surfing enthusiasts is Jamaica’s vibrant capital. A city of two halves, Kingston will excite you with its distinct head to Jamnesia Surf Camp in Bull Bay, just a 20-minute drive east. Established natural beauty and cosmopolitan flair. Whether it’s cultural pursuits, nature activities, by the Wilmot family — referred to as Jamaica’s first surfing family — it’s the exquisite fare or fabulous shopping, Kingston has it all. island’s only surf camp, and it’s also home to some of the island’s top surfers. North of Kingston, the Blue Mountains are a glorious backdrop. The majestic range is part Reggae music is part of the island’s DNA. To pay tribute to the man who of the Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best started it all, fans make their pilgrimage to the Bob Marley Museum, situated known as the source of Blue Mountain coffee, the mountains are a favourite destination with on the site of the legendary musician’s home, which he purchased in 1975. It is adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts. where Marley recorded and lived until his death in 1981. Make sure to take a few Back in the city, you can take in the wonders of nature at Hope Botanical Gardens. Laid selfies with the famous statue of the singer in the courtyard. out on 2,000 acres of land, not only is it the largest open green space within the city’s urban A museum that opened in 2016 honours Peter Tosh, another iconic reggae boundaries, but it’s the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean, as well as being home to musician and one of the founding members of The Wailers. Tosh was an equal the Hope Zoo. rights activist who was tragically killed in 1987. The Tosh Museum celebrates his Kingston may not be known for its beaches, but locals flock to the shores of Fort Clarence. life and accomplishments, and includes exhibits like his guitar — which is shaped It features amenities like changing rooms, showers, toilets and lifeguards, plus two nearby like an AK-47 — and his unicycle. 4 VISITJAMAICA.COM 5 KINGSTON the centre of New Kingston, Sky Bar also Kingston fashion balances the trends of AREA ATTRACTIONS boasts stunning views and a must-try 50- today with a tropical flair that has become its A B C D E F G H J K M N O P Kings House foot lap pool. own brand. Events like Jamaica’s Fashion’s Blue Mountain A1 Hope Botanical Gardens Bicycle Tours 1 Jamaica House 1 For a night of dancing, visit Fiction Night Out — during which stores offer deep Bob Marley Tel: 876-974-7075 / 7492-3 Kingston Devon House Museum Fantasy, an upscale nightclub frequented by discounts — is a testament to the country’s Web: bmtoursja.com Kingston’s hottest partygoers and home to love affair with style. NORTH 2 2 some of the island’s best DJs. Like the fashion scene, the world of locally Bob Marley Museum Emancipation Park The Jamaica Food & Drink Festival, a made products is also flourishing in Kingston. Tel: 876-630-1588 Web: bobmarleymuseum.com University of the five-day festival of the finest food and drink Jamaican-made soaps, candles, T-shirts, West Indies Jamaica has to offer, is a must-do come jams and jellies, sauces, and jewellery can be 3 Tinson Pen 3 Craighton Great House & October. Featuring 30 celebrated chefs and found throughout the capital. They make for Airport Coffee Estate Tour culinary personalities, eight scrumptious perfect souvenirs and unique gifts. For arts and Tel: 876-929-8490 / 876-944-8033 gourmet events and live entertainment, the crafts, a handful of outlets such as Grosvenor 4 National Heroes Park 4 Web: jnht.com HUNTS Liberty Hall event is Jamaica’s equivalent to the South Galleries, Island Art and Framing, Craft Cottage BAY Beach Wine & Food Festival. and the National Gallery of Jamaica can suit Club Kingston Ward Theatre Tel: 876-619-1565 Also held in October is the Kingston your needs. Impressive pieces can also be 5 Institute of Jamaica 5 Web: vipattractions.com A4 Jerk Gospel Music Festival, which mixes found along Kingston’s streets. Simon Bolivar Centre National Gallery traditional Jamaican fare and celebrity chefs Shoppers should also visit Kingston’s many Devon House with leading gospel acts. In November, fairs. A popular fair held at Devon House Tel: 876-929-6602 6 KINGSTON HARBOUR 6 Restaurant Week — which spans Kingston, several times a year is Market on The Lawn. Web: devonhousejamaica.com Montego Bay and Ocho Rios — features It features art, crafts, jewellery, fashion, food Royal Jamaica Fort Charles Yacht Club three-course, fixed-price lunch and and all manner of items in between. Aside 7 7 Tel: 876-922-0290 dinner menus at dozens of Kingston’s top from being a shopper’s retreat, Kingston fairs Web: jnht.com Norman Manley International Airport restaurants at discounted prices. are also a hub for relaxed socialising. PORT Fort Charles Holywel Recreational Area 8 ROYAL 8 Tel: 960-2848-9 / 960-2848 Web: blueandjohncrowmountains.org A B C D E F G H J K M N O P National Gallery of Jamaica Tel: 876-922-1561 / 876-618-0654 Web: natgalja.org.jm A CITY OF TWO HALVES, KINGSTON WILL Peter Tosh Museum Tel: 876-960-0049 / 876-968-1089 EXCITE YOU WITH ITS DISTINCT NATURAL Web: petertosh.com/museum BEAUTY AND COSMOPOLITAN FLAIR. Rockfort Mineral Bath Complex Tel: 876-938-5055 Another popular attraction is Devon House, an elegant, Georgian-style Great House built Web: jnht.com in 1881 by George Stiebel, the Caribbean’s first black millionaire. The property — with its lush, sprawling landscapes — has been beautifully restored by the Jamaica National Heritage Trench Town Culture Yard Trust. Whilst you’re there, make sure you stop by the famous Devon House I Scream Shop. Tel: 876-859-6741 Web: jnht.com Venture farther east to reach the old pirate enclave of Port Royal, the original city of sin.